Dallas, a 150 lb., black-haired Newfoundland will make his monthly visit to Fox Chase Cancer Center on Monday, September 13th at 10 a.m. Dallas comes to Fox Chase to spend time with patients undergoing treatment for cancer. Dogs generally are not allowed inside hospitals unless they have been certified as pet therapists or unless they assist the disabled.

Dallas received his training from the Comfort Caring Canines organization in Harleysville, Pa. (215-483-5334). He has been involved in pet therapy for almost a year. Dallas belongs to Ken Smith, a Philadelphia resident. This is Smith's third therapy dog.

"He comes to Fox Chase because he likes it," says Ken Smith. "Some dogs do their duty because their owner wants them to... not Dallas. He likes all the attention and really enjoys the visit."

Fox Chase Cancer Center is one of 36 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation. Fox Chase activities include basic and clinical research; prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer; and community outreach programs.

Fox Chase Cancer Center, part of the Temple University Health System, is one of the leading cancer research and treatment centers in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center’s nursing program has received the Magnet recognition for excellence four consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. For more information, call 1-888-FOX CHASE or (1-888-369-2427).

Disclaimer: Temple University Health System (TUHS) neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents. Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple University Health System and by Temple University School of Medicine.